`L = M^{3.5}`

Enter a value for all fields

The Luminosity from Mass calculator approximates the luminosity of a star based on its mass.

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose the preferred units and enter the following.

• (M)  This is the mass of the main sequence star.  Note, the default units are in Solar Masses.

Luminosity: The calculator returns the luminosity of the star in Solar Luminosities, multiples of the luminosity of the of the Sun.

The Math / Science

There is a relationship between mass and luminosity for stars in the "hydrogen" burning phase of their life cycle (the so called "main sequence"). This formula estimates the luminosity of a main sequence star given its mass.  The formula for luminosity from stellar mass is:

    L = M^3.5

where:

• L = Luminosity
• M = Mass of the Star

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• Kepler's 3^rd Law formula T² = (4? • R³)/(G • M)
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